Eric Charbonneau/Getty ImagesWhile there have been two predecessors (Stargate 1 and Stargate Atlantis), Stargate Universe brings a whole new generation of rag tag civilians mixed with military who end up in unknown reaches of the universe trying to figure out where they are and how to survive.
You're thinking you've heard this story before. Earth's been destroyed, humans are on the run. Does that remind you of Battlestar Galactica? Well, unlike BSG, there's a new level of comedy brought to the show by Ugly Betty's David Blue's character Eli. But, he's not the only new face to watch for. While the cast may seem fresh to you, a few old faces will be popping up as well.
One in particular may tickle your sci-fi fancy...
Original Stargate star Richard Dean Anderson made an appearance in the special promo shown to the audience at today's panel. The producers announced that the vet would recur through the series, along with Amanda Tapping showing up in the pilot.
For those of you not well-versed in the world of Stargate, picture volunteering for an adventure to another planet that is 21 light years away only to be attacked and forced to flee through a stargate and end up in unknown parts of the universe. Bottom line, says executive producer Brad Wright, "Not all these folks, in fact none of these folks, are supposed to be where they are in the series. They were supposed to be evacuated back to earth."
Don't stress if you haven't actually seen the first two Stargates. Wright says, "It is quite a different feel [to the past]. It will reintroduce what a stargate is. It will give you a whole new sense of what Stargate is in an introductory sense that is quite clever, but it will very much reward the SG1 and Atlantis viewer." In the past, Stargate has been known as a very serialized show, but the producers have tweaked their style to bring in new viewers.
Adds Wright, "We've already tried to acknowledge what came before and never reset back to zero in an episode, so we didn't undo things, but we wanted the casual viewer to access the show. It's difficult when you get too serialized. There's no question that it does have a broader more continuing storyline. It will reward any viewer that turns on episode five, but please start from one."
This is also not your typical Stargate. Though there is a bit of humor to it, expect the show to travel down into the rabbit hole and bring a darker side to the franchise, while upholding the integrity of the show. Says Wright, "I think there is a lot of speculation of what the show is going to be like and anticipation from fans. Many people are talking about it in terms of being darker and grittier. It really is still Stargate."
The producers kick up the action immediately through the show, citing that no one is safe. Says fellow executive producer Robert Cooper, "Big things are going to happen very quickly. In terms of what happens and what unfolds in the show, even in the first 10 episodes. You're going to find if you do skip an episode, you might miss something huge. There may be major revelations with what's going on with the characters and the storyline."
There is plenty of action to be had, but, says Cooper, "this is very much a character driven piece." These characters have some serious flaws, though. Says Wright, "In Universe, all of our characters are both heroes and villains and have remarkably the ability to slip in and out of the skin of both."
As for the new cast, the best way to describe them is "strong and intelligent," largely in part to the fact that an audience member questioned the producers new casting choices for the females of Stargate, citing the ladies of the past shows were very "strong and intelligent." Taking the dig for what it was, the gals proceeded to describe their characters as thus: "T.J. is a strong intelligent woman. They're great at developing these strong women that I think are great role models and carry themselves very well. They have their flaws and their moments," stated Alaina Huffman. "Camille Ray is a strong, intelligent lesbian," joked Ming-Na, followed by Elyse Levesque saying, "Not to sound redundant, but Chloe is also strong in the physical sense and an intelligent young woman." To take it a step further, Wright added, "Jamil [Walker-Smith], [Robert Carlyle], Brian J. Smith and David are all strong, intelligent men." In other words, in your face audience member who doubted the sheer hotness of this show.
For those rubber-faced aliens from series' past that pop up as the group traverses the universe, Cooper says CGI will be at the forefront for the new Stargate. "We really wanted a universe, because it takes place on the frontier. It's about exploring the universe, the galaxies we've never been to. We really wanted that experience to feel somewhat realistic. Find aliens or alien life forms that you may actually find out in space."
And to add for those diehard fans who know never to get too attached to the doctors on board, Cooper said, "We kill the doctor right away in this one."
Thanks for the fair warning!